Disclaimer: I lay claim only to my family, cat, house and car.
Rascal
Chapter 4
Milliardo sat at the bar, trying not to get too lost in his own depressing thoughts as he kept an eye on their target. Through the bug they planted in their target's car, they learned he was meeting a buyer at this bar today. Stupid arms dealers. Because of them, I'm sitting in this dive of a bar instead of----No, I wouldn't be sitting with Heero having a drink. He told me to go away.
And just like that, Milliardo's mood got even darker. I bet he's sitting there right now thankful that I'm not there. He probably loves having his precious solitude back. Why do I keep trying? He obviously doesn't want me around.
Movement to his left caught Milliardo's attention and he used his mirrored sunglasses sitting on the bar in front of him to watch what was happening. The Captain can say what he wants about how I look in these things. They are just too handy.
Milliardo continued to watch his target as another guy sat down at his table. C'mon, let's get going guys. I've got better things to do with my time. As Milliardo ticked off the list of errands he had to run when he got back home, he realized that his life was rather empty. The only socializing he did was at work. Maybe that's why I've focused on Heero. Our past, he understands me, sort of, and…..he won't judge. At that moment, it suddenly occurred to Milliardo that the only thing he wanted to do at the moment was sit quietly with Heero at a bar. Wonderful. What the hell am I supposed to do now? He doesn't want me around. But I actually want to---
Just then the two men he'd been watching got up and left the bar. Milliardo casually took another sip of his drink and pulled out some bills, tossing them on the bar. Grabbing his sunglasses, he smiled as he left the bar in search of his quarry. I sure hope they resist arrest. I need to take my frustrations out on someone.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Milliardo sat in his car and looked across the street at the green and white sign under the spotlight and sighed. He'd been gone for two weeks instead of the expected one and for ten minutes now he'd been debating about whether or not to enter the establishment. He made it perfectly clear he didn't want me around. But….I want to be around him, damn it. After another few minutes he decided to stop acting like a teenage girl and just go inside. If he's still really mad, I'll leave and never come back.
Milliardo entered the bar and smiled and waved at Rose who winked and nodded towards Heero who was already sitting on his usual stool, beer in hand. He casually approached the solitary man and sat down next to him and thanked Rose for his drink, taking a much needed sip to calm his nerves. He didn't know why he was so nervous, but his stomach was twisting in knots as they continued to sit there in silence. What made it worse was knowing that Rose was watching them on the sly. To hell with it. Let's just get this over with.
"So…." A raised eyebrow slowly came into view as Heero turned slightly towards him. "Miss me?"
Heero's head whipped around and he stared at Milliardo, incredulous, while the blonde remained perfectly calm. The two men remained in their face off for a few tense moments until Milliardo's lips slowly curved into a smug smile. Heero blinked a few times and felt his cheeks getting warm. That arrogant bastard.
Heero scoffed as he turned back to face front and picked up his beer.
"Didn't notice you were gone."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Heero felt a strange sense of relief seeing the blonde walk into the bar and now that he was there, sitting next to him once again, Heero had to admit things felt right again. Although I have no idea why.
"So what are you up to these days?"
Milliardo raised an eyebrow at the friendly, casual question. It's as if we're friends. Is it possible he really did miss me?
"Excuse me?"
"What do you do for a living? What keeps you in designer clothes and expensive cars?"
Milliardo offered his cockiest smile while adopting a haughty tone. "Well, I am a Peacecraft."
"Hmph. Don't recall seeing your face plastered all over the TV."
Milliardo chuckled as he took another sip of his drink. He knew Heero was referring to his sister Relena who had continued her political career and was now on her way to ruling the world. Or so the media would have you believe. In actuality she had become a figurehead for peace using her position as Ambassador to get her message heard.
"You're correct. I have a tendency to steer clear of the media."
The pair sat in silence for awhile until finally Heero spoke again, his voice carrying the weight of his impatience.
"Well?"
"Well what?"
Cerulean eyes narrowed and Milliardo suddenly realized something.
"You were serious?"
Heero was at a loss for a moment. He couldn't decide whether Milliardo was being serious or mocking him. After further inspection he decided he was serious.
"Yes."
"Oh. I would have thought that since you were in contact with Chang that you would have been told that I work for the Preventors Organization."
Milliardo could tell by the split-second eye twitch that Heero had in fact not known this little piece of information. He shrugged and picked up his glass, draining it and gesturing for another to the bartender, who as usual acknowledged him with a wink.
"I guess Chang doesn't feel I'm news worthy. But it's nice to know that you think I am."
Milliardo saw the eye twitch again and smiled to himself. Huh. He really does think I'm news-worthy.
"How are you a Preventor? Most missions involve stealth and undercover work."
Milliardo was shocked to hear Heero question his abilities. Heero of all people should know what he was capable of.
"Are you saying that I can't do those things?"
"Look at you. I rest my case."
"Look….? What…?"
Milliardo stared in shocked silence as Heero sat there drinking his beer and staring forward as if the conversation was over. After all this time wanting him to talk to me like a friend, and this is what I get? He was having trouble forming words in his state of indignation and anger but somehow he managed to push out,
"Explain yourself."
Heero scoffed and turned his stool around so he was now completely facing his drinking companion's profile. He gestured with his hand as his eyes roamed up and down the seated figure taking in the long lean body that was covered in tailored slacks and a form fitting t-shirt, long platinum blonde hair cascading down to the middle of his back, tied back at the nape of his neck. An expensive gold watch shone just enough to catch the eye and despite his dressed down appearance, didn't seem gaudy. And finally there was the handsome face with the aristocratic nose and pale blue eyes. Heero was unaware of the appreciative smile on his own face.
"You stand out. Always have, always will."
"I don't----"
"If you took every person in this city and compared physical traits, you would be unique, Milliardo. You can't hide that."
Milliardo kept his gaze forward and looked at his reflection in the mirror. It was true that you didn't come across many people with his hair color or length. But still. I'm sure there are plenty of people who are six foot with pale skin, blue eyes and--- Suddenly, a hesitant touch at his ear turned Milliardo into a statue. In the mirror he could see Heero had brushed some stray hair behind his ear and was now frowning at him.
"I take that back. You have very plain ears."
With that statement, Heero turned back to face the bar and motioned to Rose for another beer, leaving Milliardo to overanalyze his words and actions.
I don't understand. Is being unique a good thing to him? Obviously not when it comes to my job. And he….touched me. To look at my ear? Which is plain? What the hell have I gotten myself into?!
Milliardo's whole body whipped around and he glared at Heero even as his cheeks became warm.
"You really are a bastard, Heero."
Heero chuckled knowing he'd gotten under Milliardo's skin. What the blonde probably didn't realize was that he was being honest as well. Milliardo Peacecraft was a very attractive man who couldn't help but draw attention to himself. It wasn't his fault and there was nothing he could do. Well, he could dye and cut his hair, maybe wear some contacts. But, why would he want to do that? Why should he hide who he is? It would be a shame really.
To be continued…..